Getting from Syros to Leros

If you are heading to Leros from Syros you are making your way from the capital of the Cyclades to one of the most atmospheric islands in the Dodecanese group, on the opposite side of the Aegean. It has a striking Art Deco Italian colonial port at Lakki and a medieval castle above the main town of Platanos.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Syros to Leros. Getting there by sea means taking the ferry from Syros to Piraeus, which runs up to 6 daily crossings in summer and takes around 2 hours on the fast boat, and then boarding the overnight Piraeus to Leros ferry, which runs 3 to 5 times a week and takes around 9 to 13 hours. Flying is considerably more practical for most travelers.

Getting there by air

Leros has its own small airport with daily connections from Athens. Syros has a small domestic airport with limited connections from Athens. Taking the ferry from Syros to Piraeus and flying from Athens to Leros takes around 50 minutes on the second leg. Total journey time is around 4 to 5 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the ferry from Syros to Piraeus and fly from Athens to Leros. It is the fastest and most practical approach. If you are traveling with a car, take the ferry from Syros to Piraeus and board the overnight Piraeus to Leros ferry, which takes your vehicle and arrives in the morning.